Lawmakers learned of the hospital’s issues under Mathew last year. A high-ranking doctor followed the example of Wilkes, who became a high-profile advocate for whistleblowers, and wrote a 16-page report dated September 2, 2016, sending it to then-Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald and two members of Congress.

The report, reviewed by Fox News, alleged that Mathew had “a constant pattern of bullying, intimidation, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation” against staff and negatively affected the careers of 55 employees.

Mathew checked off every box of imaginable bad behavior. The worst part, however, is that this occurred at the same hospital where in 2013, a whistleblower exposed a secret wait-list of 2700 names, including 37 veterans who had died. Watchdog reports also revealed this hospital failed to provide necessities like sheets, pajamas, and toiletries – while spending tens of thousands of dollars on new furniture, televisions, and solar panels.

All VA employees, including high-level officials, need to be held accountable. That is why Congress must pass strong accountability legislation as soon as possible.